From the Pastor s Desk

M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R F R O M E L L E N S B U R G P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H Volume 8 Issue 10 October, 2017 Ellensburg Pres Press From the Pastor s Desk I know the fall has become a very busy time and there are many things competing for your attention. But there is one thing I hope you will put on your calendar: Friday and Saturday, October 27-28 we will host Dr. Earl Palmer, who will speak on the life and influence of CS Lewis. You may remember that fourteen years ago Dr. Palmer came and spoke on the Book of Revelation. At the time he was pastor of University Presbyterian church in Seattle. Earl is retired now, but still maintains an active speaking and teaching ministry, traveling all over the country. He was kind enough to fit us into his busy schedule. CS Lewis was one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century. Many of his books are still best sellers on Amazon over 60 years after their first publications. His life story and insights are fascinating and compelling. Beyond that, Lewis is known and respected outside the Christian community by many who know his profound Narnia series. Dr. Palmer is truly a Lewis expert and has studied, written, and spoken on Lewis, and his contributions, for decades. We will host Earl for his introductory talk on the life of Lewis on Friday evening. Then we will regather Saturday morning for two more talks on Lewis, ending by noon. This will be a great and insightful general I hope you will put on your calendar: Friday and Saturday, October 27-28 we will host Dr. Earl Palmer introduction to the life and writings of Lewis, one that anyone could enjoy and learn from. We do hope that we can reach out to the community with this event. Many people know about Lewis writings and would probably be interested in learning more. This would be a great event to invite your friends to. There is no cost for the event; no offerings will be taken. So please, make time for this event. Invite your friends. This will be a great time to learn about a man who has helped shape the thoughts of intelligent, western evangelical Christianity perhaps more than any other single person in a century. There s more to Lewis than a lion, a witch, and a wardrobe. Come and find out how much more. Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. CS Lewis. Inside this issue: Bazaar / Session Members and Deacons 2 Youth News / Backpack Program 3-4 Quilters/ Nominating Committee 4 Scripture Readings 5 Children s Ministries / Kids Page 6 Calendar 7 Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00am Contemporary Service 11:00am Traditional Service Pastor: Rev. Al Sandalow Children s Ministries Director: Cheryl Smith Youth Director: Chris Hagan

Christmas Bazaar, November 18 The Greatest Gift 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All the delights of the Bazaar are brought to you and to our community by the efforts of many, many volunteers. That would be YOU. Please watch for the Sign-up sheets when they are posted On October 29 Current Session Members & Ministry Responsibilities/Deacons ELDERS John Barker Youth* Jim Davis Stewardship Roger Glaser Nominating* Gregg Hall Properties* John Harbaugh Worship and Music Dan Hiersche Worship and Music Rick Holmstrom Properties John MacRae Stewardship/Personnel Alice McMechan Mission* Chuck Norelius Coord. of Docs. Deanna Pringle Education* Lyle Smith Properties Ginny Sorenson Worship and Music* Rick Vaughan Small Groups* Pat Walton Mission Judy Wright Congregational Life* Marilyn Charlton Clara Davis Julile Hiersche Clay McMechan Gordon Pross Fritz Wichterman DEACONS Julie Cutts Susan Hanson Shirley Hood Steve Noyes Kay Stern Sandra Zech The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. Page 2 ELLENSBURG

Keeping Up With Our Chris Hagan Rock: Our series on Doubt and Fear continues this month. We will look at Mark 4, which tells about a time that Jesus' disciples experienced incredible fear. We ll talk about how life will bring moments of fear, we can decide how we will respond to those fears, and we can look to Jesus in the midst of our fears. Fear throws us off balance; it shifts our focus away from God's ability to care and provide in every situation, and it attempts to make us focus on the "insurmountable" challenge we're facing. So, if the first lesson in this series was about encouraging students to be honest about their doubt, our second lesson focuses on helping them recognize where and when they're afraid - and choosing to have faith. We will face times of fear in life; it's inevitable. But we can decide how we will respond to our fears, and we can choose to trust God during those situations. When we're afraid, we can go to Jesus and tell him. We can admit we need help. We can ask him to give us courage and strength. As you talk with your teenager about this lesson, here are a few questions for the conversation: What are some common, ordinary fears that teenagers have? Do you think Christians are reluctant to admit when they have fears? Why or why not? Do you find it easy or difficult to trust God - not just in the big situations but also in all other situations in life? Explain. Have a great October! BASIC: The high school group will continue our journey through the Gospel of John with the rest of the congregation in our small groups! I look forward to exploring this interesting and important book of the Bible. Martin Luther famously said that the Gospel of John was, the unique, tender, genuine, Gospel. Should a tyrant succeed in destroying the Holy Scriptures and only a single copy of the Epistle to the Romans and the Gospel according to John escape him, Christianity would be saved. We look forward to learning more about the Gospel of John from Pastor Al and in community with the rest of the congregation! Slamquest: Our middle school weekend retreat is coming up! October 20-22 is Slamquest at Camp Ghormley! It s a great time to have fun, play games, eat delicious food, be in fellowship, worship, and grow in our faith! We ll leave from the church at 5pm on Friday and return Sunday at about 2pm. The cost is $80 if you register before September 29, and $100 if you register after the 29 th! Sign up online at www.ghormleymeadow.org! The Blast: Also coming up soon is our high school weekend retreat! November 17-19 is The Blast at Camp Ghormley! The Blast is a laid-back fun time to be together and grow deeper in our faith. The cost is $80 if you register before October 19, and $100 if you register after the 19 th. Sign up online at www.ghormleymeadow.org! Packing the packs On Sunday, October 1, our whole church will participate in preparing the pack for the first delivery to the schools on Thursday, October 7. Between services, you will be able to see how much food is needed and what is involved in packing 120 bags of food for the students. Please plan to join us for a time of serving, caring and blessing our students in need. VOLUME 8 ISSUE 10 Page 3

Quilters News by Dawn Helland I heard a news story recently, that what for the last 13 years in a row, has been the top how to google search was How to tie a tie. It made me think, when did we stop going to people to ask for help or to teach us something new? I can remember watching my dad and brother, both looking in the mirror, as my dad taught my brother how to tie his neck tie. I know my brother, if he had Google to go to, he would have picked tech over my dad to teach him. I am so very thankful that I did not grow up with the internet, I am so thankful that I can still see that vision of my dad teaching my brother. So, I am guessing, about now you are wondering what tying a tie and quilting have in common. It made me think, that both are a dying craft. How many people in Ellensburg do you see wearing a tie on a regular basis? Who knows how to tie one? How many people do you know, that know how to quilt? The bad news is, I cannot help you learn how to tie a neck tie, but I have it on good authority that Pastor Al knows how. The good news is, I know a whole group of women who know how to quilt. Women who are loving, caring, full of laughter and hugs. Women who are more than happy to personally teach you how to quilt. Women who are available to teach you, in such a way, that you could never learn by asking a machine how to or watching a how to video on-line. I hope that you can join us every Wednesday in October from 3pm to 7pm (please note new time) for quilting, crafting, knitting and fellowship. Are YOU Willing to serve in God s House? Will YOU answer His Call? The Nominating Committee will begin calling very soon, seeking people willing to service on various committees or fill various offices. We sincerely hope you will be open to God speaking to you and giving you the go ahead to fill one of these positions. OFFICES: ELDER (three year term of office) DEACON (three year term of office) CONGREGATION-ELECTED COMMITTEES: Memorials Ministry (three year term) Worship and Music (three year and one year terms) Nominating (one year term) Other Committees you may choose to serve on with no election necessary Properties Youth Mission Education Congregational Life Chancel You may also wish to let the office know if you are willing to substitute for the secretary or custodian when they are on vacation. The custodian sub is a paid position. The secretary sub is a volunteer labor of love. Page 4 ELLENSBURG

From the Lectionary October 1 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4,12-16 Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 October 8 Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20; Psalm 19 Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 October 15 Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6,19-23 Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 October 22 Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99 I Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 October 29 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6,13-17 I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Volunteer Opportunities HELPING HANDS Please volunteer for a Sunday. It s easy, and there are detailed instructions for you. There is a sign-up sheet on the office window. It requires a little extra of your time on Sunday. It does not obligate you for any more Sundays than what you decide to serve, on whatever dates you choose. Prayer Concerns and Requests Prayers for our Military Remember our young men and women in the Military service and ROTC: Troy Smith, Bob Mykleby, Andy Stedman, Andrew McKenzie, Will McKenzie, Joe Thomas, Tony Miles, Drew Kastning, Erik Holmstrom, Jen Holmstrom, Dave Moser, Jason Lorraine, Brandon Taylor, Patrick Hampton, Andrew J. Potter, Mark Thacker, Brad Miller, Jack Barry, Colton Carson, Shane Bowers TO START A PRAYER REQUEST If you have a prayer request during the week, you may call the office from 8:00am to 3:00pm, 925-3149. For evening and weekend requests, call Stephanie Mills at 925-1961. VOLUME 8 ISSUE 10 Page 5

Children s Ministry by Cheryl Smith I am so very touched by all the kind words, hugs and cards I have received from you all! I was so certain that I was not the right person for the job. I tried to tell friends and family that I was busy with homeschooling and my bookkeeping business and had no time for such a job. Well it is funny how God works in our lives! It is amazing how He waits for just the perfect moment to whisper in your ear that you are needed. He calms your fears, helps you see things clearer and then holds your hand and shows you the way. He gives you the words to say, and sometimes even holds you up when you are so afraid of something that you suddenly just feel peace and happiness and contentment with the choice you made. I have been busy organizing, coordinating and choosing curriculum for the new year. I have a great group of ladies who love to serve monthly as Sunday School Teachers to our Pre/K and 1 st -5 th grade classes. I could use two more peo- ple to step forward with a monthly commitment to serve. I also have a small list of single dates that need teachers. Please let me know if God whispers in your ear that you are the loving caring role model He needs to serve our kids! Page 6 ELLENSBURG

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 8 2 Communion 10am One Service 2 8:30am Prayer for EPC 10:10am 9:00am Worship (Nursery, Infants 4yrs) Packing for the Kids Sunday School following Children s Sermon Backpack 10:00am Chancel Choir Rehearsal Program 11:00am Worship 5:30pm (Nursery, Women s Infants Bib 4yrs) Sty 5:30pm Deacons 9 10 5 6 Communion 8:30am Prayer for EPC 5:30pm Women s Bib Sty 6:30pm Session prayer 7:00pm Session 3 9:30am Craft Group 9:30am Craft Group 9:30am Craft Women 1:30pm Cone Women 4 3pm Tabitha s Quilters 11 7 3pm Tabitha s Quilters 5 6 1 7 12 8 13 9 14 8 15 16 8:30am Prayer for EPC 5:30pm Deacons 17 9:30am Craft Group 18 5:30pm Worship Tm 19 20 21 11 12 5:30pm Women s Bib Sty 8:30am Prayer for EPC 13 9:30am Craft Women 1:30pm Cone Women 14 3pm Tabitha s Quilters 15 16 15 22 NO B.A.S.I.C. 18 12:30pm All-Church Picnic, Mt View Park 29 23 8:30am 6:30pm Session Prayer for Prayer EPC 7:00pm Session 5:30pm Women s Bib 19 Sty 7pm 8:30am Ministries Prayer Night for EPC 30 24 5:30pm Women s Bible 9:30am Study Craft Group 20 9:30am Craft Women 1:30pm Cone Women 31 25 3pm Tabitha s Quilters 21 26 27 28 5:30pm Worship Tm Earl Palmer, on C.S. Lewis 22 23 22 8:30am Prayer for EPC 5:30pm Women s Bib Sty 9:30am Craft Group 5:30pm Women s Bible Study 5:30pm Worship Tm Each Sunday 9:00am Worship (Nursery, Infants 4yrs) Sunday School Movie time after Children s Sermon (K 5th gr.) 11:00am Worship (Nursery, Infants 4yrs) VOLUME 8 ISSUE 10 Page 7

MON THLY NEW SLET TER F RO M ELLEN SB URG P RESB Y TERIAN CHURCH 1307 East Third Ellensburg, WA 98926 Non Profit Organization US Postage PAID Ellensburg, WA Permit #123 Phone: 509 925-3149 E-mail: firstpresbyterian@elltel.net RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED We re on the web www.eburgpres.org Upcoming Events October 1, between services, packing up the packs for the Backpack Program for the schools October 27-28, Earl Palmer speaking on C.S. Lewis at Ellensburg Presbyterian Church Ellensburg Pres Press Is published for our members and friends. To receive a free subscription, or for more information about our church, please call or stop by the office. Articles and suggestions are welcomed. Office Hours: Monday Thursday, 8 am 3 pm Friday, 8 am Noon Phone: 509-925-3149 Next newsletter deadline is noon, October 18, 2017